How to install the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 developer betas

Before we get started, a word of warning: beta software — especially early developer beta — is inherently unfinished and may contain bugs. Think carefully before installing either on any device you depend on. They also may not include all of the features that will be in the final release. Your experience may differ from others depending on the apps you use. And finally, if you do decide to install it, we suggest backing up your device’s data in case things go badly.

What features come with the new OS?

Besides a new naming scheme — each update will now be named for the year it will be used — the new operating systems have a number of interesting new features, not the least of which is Liquid Glass, a shiny new (and transparent) look for the OS that may take some getting used to. There are also new windowing features for iPadOS, some new Messages updates, a new Games app, and an easier way to access the AI assistant.

Which devices support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26?

How to install the iOS 26 developer beta

Apple has made it easier than ever to install beta releases of iOS and iPadOS. Here’s what you do. (These instructions are for iOS, but iPadOS is pretty much the same.)